Prime Minister Keir Starmer has left the future of free bus passes for pensioners in doubt, refusing to confirm whether the benefit will be scrapped ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget. This comes after the recent decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, which has caused alarm among pensioners.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Conservative MP Louie French challenged Starmer on whether additional pensioner benefits, such as free bus passes and council tax discounts, are also at risk. French accused Labour of making a “disgraceful political decision” to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment and demanded to know if other concessions would be cut. Starmer responded, saying he would not “preempt the Budget” and that details would be revealed in due course.
Labour ministers have also avoided confirming whether travel concessions for pensioners will remain. Treasury Minister James Murray, when questioned in the House of Commons, reiterated that all decisions would be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Budget statement on 30 October.
Concerns about pensioner benefits follow the government’s controversial decision to means-test the £300 Winter Fuel Payment, which will now only be available to those receiving Pension Credit. This change has sparked fears that other universal benefits, such as free bus passes and council tax discounts, could also be under threat.
Conservative MP Kit Malthouse raised the issue in Parliament, asking for reassurance that travel concessions would continue under a Labour government. However, Murray deflected the question, emphasising that difficult decisions would need to be made in the Budget.
With growing uncertainty, pensioners across the UK are anxiously awaiting the Autumn Budget to see whether vital support such as free bus passes will be maintained.
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